High speed bar code scanning on inserters using pivotable moving beam bar codes scanners

Abstract

In an inserter, an apparatus for reading a bar code symbol on a sheet comprising feeder means for sequentially feeding a plurality of sheets, at least one containing a bar code symbol printed thereon. A moving beam scanner is positioned to scan at least two times the bar code symbol on at least one of the sheets as the sheet is fed from the feeding means. The apparatus includes means for decoding the bar code symbol. The moving beam scanner can be pivoted to scan either ladder position bar code symbols or picket fence position bar code symbols without requiring any further changes to the inserter.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In an inserter, an apparatus for reading a bar code symbol on a sheet being conveyed along a paper path, comprising: means for feeding a plurality of sheets seriatim in a first direction along a paper path, at least one of said sheets containing a bar code symbol printed thereon,;   a moving beam scanner operatively connected to said feeder means for scanning the bar code symbol as the sheet is fed along the paper path;   means for pivoting said scanner to one of a first and second position, said first and second positions being in a plane parallel to the paper path and said second position being generally perpendicular to said first position, wherein said scanner when positioned in said first position provides a scan sweep in line with said first direction for scanning bar code symbols oriented in said first direction, and wherein said scanner when positioned in said second position provides a scan sweep in line with a second direction generally perpendicular to said first direction for scanning bar code symbols oriented in said second direction, said scanner in either position completing at least two scan sweeps of the bar code symbol; and   means operatively connected to said scanner for interpreting the bar code symbol.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said sheet is being fed by said feeder means at a speed of at least 100 inches per second. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said interpreting means includes means for ignoring a scan detected as a misread. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said interpreting means includes means for distinguishing between transposition errors and accurate reads when more than two scans are made. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said scan sweep is generated in said moving beam scanner by a light source reflecting off a rotating polygon. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein some of said sheets are control documents for groups of said sheets being processed together, each of said control documents containing said bar code symbol printed thereon.